The study entitled Energy Content Of US. Fast Food Restaurant Offerings: 14-Year Trends - used data from a food and nutrient database that compiled data focusing on meals from McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, KFC, Arby's, Jack in the Box, and Dairy Queen which have all been in the database since 1997. Despite a sharp increase in the variety of fast food with options such as smoothies, apple slices, oatmeal, and grilled chicken, the average calorie counts within these eight major outlets changed little from 1997 through 2010.
The researchers found:
- A 53% spike in the number of menu items across the restaurants - rising to 1,036 from 679.
- Salads rose to 51 from 11.
- There was no significant change in calories for entrees and beverages.
- Desserts and condiments showed gradual increases.
- Side items showed a reasonable drop in calorie counts most likely reflecting the rise in the number of salads offered.
- In 2009 and 2010, the average lunch or dinner entree weighed in at 453 calories and the average side was 263. Dressings, sweet drinks, and additions like a slice of cheese can all raise the count significantly.
An article written about the study Despite Claims, Fast Food Isnt Improving states that to maintain a healthy diet, eating fast food should be done in moderation, if at all. There is no shortage of studies that have linked fast food intake to weight gain and calories are the key to managing weight. If a person burns more than they take in each day, they will lose weight, slowly but definitively. Of course, the only way to do that is to eat an appropriate amount of nutritious food, and to exercise. But, there are healthy ways to help the process through the use of supplements and food choices that can help spark your metabolism.
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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.